Category Archives: XFL

Tanielu, Handsome

CARD: Topps AAF 2019
ACQUIRED: Private Break, 2020

CAREER SNAPSHOT:

  • Handsome Tanielu played DL first at Snow JC from 2014 to 2015.
  • Posted 38 total tackles, 6 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, a pass deflection, and 3 forced fumbles in 17 contests.
  • Transferred to Brigham Young for his Junior and Senior seasons.
  • Finished with 41 total tackles, and one pass deflection.
  • Undrafted, he caught the eye of the Kansas City Chiefs who had him in for minicamp.
  • He stayed in playing shape and in 2019 was signed by the Salt Lake City Stallions of the AAF.
  • Saw action in 3 games for the top ranked defense, posting a pass deflection.
  • Drafted by the XFL Houston Roughnecks in 2020, but did not make the squad.

NOTES:

Looking back it’s easy to see why Topps chose Handsome, who not only had a marketable name, but that he was also a fireplug- clocking in at 6’0″, 331 lbs.

Humphrey, Aaron

CARD: UT Upper Deck 2011 HACK
ACQUIRED: TTM 2025, C/o Home
SENT: 10/17 RECEIVED: 11/10 (24 DAYS)

CAREER SNAPSHOT:

  • Aaron Humphrey played DL/LB for the Texas Longhorns from 1996-’99.
  • Led the Big-12 in sacks in both his junior and senior campaigns.
  • Over his playing career he started 45 of 48 games, posted 330 career tackles, and 10 forced fumbles.
  • Finished second on UT’s all-time tackles for loss list with 50, and 8th in sacks with 24.
  • In perhaps his finest moment for the Burnt Orange playing the season opener against Rutgers in 1997, Aaron dropped back and picked off THREE passes (almost 4) against the Scarlet Knights.
  • After going undrafted he signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2000, but did not make the squad.
  • Played for the Chicago Enforcers of the XFL 2001.
  • Used all over the field at ILB and DE that season, Humphrey posted 53 total tackles and 3 sacks.
  • Once the league folded, he was signed by the New York Jets, but was released before the season.
  • Signed by the Rhein Fire of the NFLE in 2002.
  • Posted 27 total tackles, 1 forced fumble and 5 pass deflections.
  • Signed by the Jacksonville Jaguars after his stint in the NFLE, Aaron was on and off the practice squad.
  • Spent his final three years back in Austin, as a member of the Arena Football League’s Austin Wranglers from 2004-’06.
  • Tallied 48 total tackles, 8.5 sacks, 5 pass blocks, 8 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries, and a 6 yard interception for a TD.
  • Also saw time as a willing receiver, posting 5 receptions for 47 yards and 2 TDs.

ACCOLADES:

  • Texas MVP and Defensive Player of the Year 1999

NOTES:

Aaron was one of the players that when I got the UT Upper Deck 2011 set I was surprised that he wasn’t included. I thought based on his unique football journey and accomplishments that he’d be a shoe in for it.

That being said the opening allowed for me to slip in with a custom card for him taking down Josh Heupel. The card itself came out perfectly and I was very pleased with the results.

I tracked down Aaron through Facebook surprisingly quick and he responded to me in no time flat. He was very excited to have his own card and to share it with his kids.

Knowing that I was a big fan and also of the Austin Wranglers, he also sent me a signed jersey from his days with the team!

Here is the jersey Aaron said he was going to send me. 🙂

Baisley, Jaime

CARD: Topps XFL 2001
ACQUIRED: TTM 2025, C/o Work
SENT: 6/24 RECEIVED: 7/21 (27 days)

CAREER SNAPSHOT:

  • Jaime Baisley played LB at Indiana.
  • A two year starter, he posted 207 total tackles, an interception and 3 fumble recoveries.
  • Undrafted, he’d sign with the Jaguars in 1997, and then ended up playing in the NFLE for two seasons with the Rhein Fire.
  • In 1999 he finished second on the team with 41 tackles, 2 sacks, and a forced fumbles in 5 starts.
  • Returned to the Fire in 2000, and had 26 tackles and a sack.
  • 10th round pick of the XFL Chicago Enforcers in 2001.
  • Became the leader of the defense and had 64 total tackles and an interception for the Enforcers.
  • Is an executive for a executive search firm.

NOTES:

My friend Joe has been chomping at this set for a bit and threw out an address for me on this one.